Now that spring is definitely here and sunnier days are upon us, thoughts naturally turn to a day at the beach. When the sun is shining there’s one beach a drive away from Greater Manchester which visitors have compared to those found in “Greece, France, Spain or Portugal”.
St Bees Beach in Cumbria is a mile-long stretch of beach where shingle gives way to golden sand. It’s overlooked by the red sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head - reminiscent of the red cliffs found in Portugal’s Algarve.
At the northern end of the beach is a promenade which extends towards the sandstone cliffs where you can enjoy a stunning coastal walk.
The area is a haven for wildlife too, with an RSPB nature reserve at St Bees Head. READ MORE: Five canal-side walks with scenic views in Greater Manchester The beach marks the start (or end) of the Coast to Coast Walk while the Lake District National Park is just a stone’s throw away.